Gerald Lee Ginnings, Methamphetamine Conspiracy, Missouri 2018

Kansas City, MO – In a shocking turn of events, Gerald Lee Ginnings, a 42-year-old Kansas City resident, has pleaded guilty to his role in a $4.1 million methamphetamine-trafficking conspiracy, which is linked to two murders.

According to court documents, Ginnings participated in conspiracies to distribute methamphetamine and launder drug proceeds between January 1, 2018, and October 1, 2018. He was responsible for distributing or assisting in the distribution of at least five kilograms of methamphetamine.

The proceeds of the drug-trafficking conspiracy were used to pay living expenses, buy assets, and purchase additional drugs for distribution. Ginnings and his co-conspirators used cash to conceal the true nature of the proceeds from drug distribution.

Ginnings was arrested on June 28, 2018, and again on September 27, 2018. During those arrests, law enforcement officers seized over 50 grams of methamphetamine and a Kel-Tec 9 mm handgun, which Ginnings obtained by trading for methamphetamine.

The drug-trafficking organization with which Ginnings was associated was responsible for two murders. In August 2018, James Hampton was beaten, kidnapped, and transported from St. Louis, MO, to Kansas City in the trunk of a car. Conspirators also kidnapped Brittanie Broyles, a woman who was with Hampton when he was seized and who witnessed his beating and kidnapping.

Ginnings must pay a money judgment not to exceed $4,160,000, which represents the proceeds he received from the drug-trafficking conspiracy. He is subject to a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in federal prison without parole, up to a sentence of life in federal prison without parole.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Bruce Rhoades and Robert M. Smith. It was investigated by the Kansas City, MO, Police Department, the Sni Valley Fire Department, the Jackson, Lafayette, Buchanan, and Phelps County, MO, Sheriff’s Departments, the FBI, the Jackson County Drug Task Force, the Missouri State Highway Patrol, and the St. James, MO, Police Department.

Ginnings is among 22 co-defendants who have pleaded guilty in this case. His sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.

Related Federal Cases